Load suspension system

ABSTRACT

A load suspension system is disclosed, for suspending a load from a human body. The system includes a number of straps, certain of which will include elastic elements to provide a desired shock protection to the system. The elasticity of such elements may be limited by means of one or more range limiters. Padded sections are included at predetermined locations to provide greater comfort to a user, and attachment points are also included for connecting to a load, such as a tool belt, one or more tools, or apparel. Padded sections may include a gel component for greater comfort, and the various straps may also include accessory attachment points for reversibly connecting desired accessories to the system. A method of manufacturing a load suspension system is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a personal load suspension system,and more particularly to a suspender system configured to bear a loadfrom a tool belt.

2. Background Art

The use of personal suspender systems (“suspenders”) in conjunction withbelts and back supports has increased in recent years as employers andtradesmen have realized that such systems help distribute, balance, andsecure heavy loads, thereby lessening the incidence and severity ofwork-related accidents. Often tool belts may be utilized to bearrelatively heavy loads, which may include tools, fasteners, and otherimplements of a user's trade. In addition to the hazard posed by suchobjects to the user should the belt shift or become unstable, there isalso the issue of back strain due to the weight involved, balancing ofthe load, movement of the user, and a myriad of other factors.

More recently, belt and back support combinations have become morecommonplace, with the back support helping to minimize back injuries andstabilize a wearer, while also more securely supporting the tool belt.Additionally, suspenders are being connected to such systems to helpdistribute loads from the waist to the shoulders. While these changesrepresent important steps in the lessening of back-related injuries,traditional combinations of traditional-style suspenders withtraditional tool belt systems still leave much to be desired in terms ofcomfort, flexibility, safety, and effectiveness. For example,traditional suspender configurations may become easily displaced from adesired orientation on a user's shoulder, resulting in possible injury,or damage to the contents of the tool belt. Furthermore, traditionalsuspender systems have not been well-designed to accommodate the heavierloads and changing job demands that exist in certain labor-intensivetrades. Accordingly, a need exists for a load suspension system havingincreased comfort and flexibility, while maintaining ease of use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, a load suspension system is disclosed, having aplurality of straps for operative connecting to a load to be borne by auser. The straps typically will include connection points foroperatively connecting to a load, and may also include accessoryattachment points for retaining desired accessories. At least onestretch element is incorporated into the load suspension system, toprovide a degree of shock absorption to the system. The elasticity ofsuch a stretch element may be limited by a range limiter, comprising arelatively inelastic material, and traversing a stretch element such asto define a maximal stretch length.

In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a load suspension systemis disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of straps,operatively connecting such straps via a central section, andincorporating at least one stretch element and at least one pad sectioninto select straps. In one embodiment, the method further comprisesoperatively connecting reversible attachment points to select straps toreversibly connect to a load.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view one embodiment of a load suspension system.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a load suspension system in use.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of one embodiment of a load suspension system.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of one embodiment of a load suspension system inuse.

FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of a load suspension system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the invention comprises a loadsuspension system 1 having a pair of front straps 2, each of whichcomprises first and second stretch elements 4, and a pad section 6disposed between each of the first and second stretch elements 4. Thepad section 6 is disposed such that it will rest substantially upon auser's shoulder when the load suspension system 1 is worn by the user. Acentral section 8 operatively connects to an upper end of each of thefront straps 2, and is also operatively connected to an upper end of atleast one rear strap 3.

The pad section 6 may comprise any material or combination thereof knownin the art to provide comfort to a user in a load-bearing application.In one embodiment, the pad section 6 comprises a resilient foam selectedto provide a desired degree of comfort and durability. In oneembodiment, the resilient foam of the pad section 6 is encased in afabric, to advantageously protect the foam and to maintain a desiredshape of the pad section 6. In one embodiment, when a fabric is usedwith the foam, the fabric will operatively connect to one or moreadjoining components of the load suspension system, thereby maintainingthe position of the foam relative to such components. In one embodiment,the fabric is breathable, to better permit passage of air into andthrough the pad section 6, advantageously providing ventilation to auser's shoulder beneath the pad section 6, and/or more effectiveevaporation of sweat or other moisture that may permeate the pad section6.

In one embodiment, the pad section 6 comprises a gel component. The gelcomponent may be of any type known in the art. In one embodiment, thegel component comprises a discreet gel insert 7 disposed in apredetermined location within the pad section 6. In one embodiment, thepad 6 section is configured to be relatively inelastic relative to theelasticity of the stretch elements 4.

Various configurations described herein advantageously provideshock-absorption with respect to a suspended load operatively connectedto the load suspension system 1, while maintaining stability of the loadon a user's shoulders by minimizing displacement of the pad section 6.Typical loads include, but are not limited to, tool belts, tools, andtool pouches.

Stretch elements 4 may comprise any material or combination of materialsknown in the art. In one embodiment, a stretch element 4 may comprisemultiple subcomponents, each having similar or varying degrees ofelasticity, to provide a desired balance of elasticity and support tothe load suspension system 1. In such an embodiment, the stretch element4 may comprise a central elastic element and a peripheral elasticelement. In one embodiment, a binding component 9 may operativelyconnect along a periphery of multiple components to providereinforcement of the operative connections therebetween. The bindingcomponent 9 may also function as a peripheral elastic element, asdescribed above with respect to the stretch elements 4.

In one embodiment, a relatively short length of binding component 9 isoperatively connected to a relatively longer periphery of various othercomponents, thereby achieving a desired curvature in such components.For example, in such a configuration where a length of webbing isbunched along its periphery and stitched to a shorter length of bindingcomponent 9, the result will be a rippling or folding effect on thewebbing, causing it to bunch along its periphery, thereby forming aconcave cross-section in the webbing. The binding component 9 maycomprise, but is not limited to, binding tape. Such a configurationadvantageously imparts a curvature to the webbing, which may morecomfortably conform to the contours of a user's body.

In one embodiment, the load suspension system 1 includes at least onereinforcing element 12 disposed substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the pad section 6. The reinforcing element 12 willoperatively connect to a first location on the front strap 2, above thepad section 6, and to a second location on the front strap 2, below thepad section 6. The reinforcing element 12 may pass through the padsection 6, or along any outer surface thereof. The reinforcing element12 may also operatively connect to one or more locations along thelength of the pad section 6. In one embodiment, the reinforcing elementoperatively connects to a resilient foam and/or a gel insert disposed inthe pad section 6. A reinforcing element 12 advantageously provides aredundant connection should a load-bearing component of the pad section6 fail, due to e.g., heavy loads, or wear. A reinforcing element 12 mayalso advantageously limit any elasticity of the pad section 6.

In one embodiment, the load suspension system 1 includes at least onestabilizing element 14 configured to reversibly connect each of the pairof front straps 2. Typically, any such stabilizing element 14 will bedisposed such that it may traverse a front surface of a user's body whenthe load suspension system 1 is in use. The stabilizing element 14 willtypically comprise two strap segments reversibly connectable via abuckle 16 or similar component. The stabilizing element 14 may also havean adjustable length, permitting adjustment of fit to a user's size andcomfort. Such a configuration advantageously provides an increasedstability and/or customized fit to the load suspension system 1.

In one embodiment, each front strap 2 includes at least one rangelimiter 10 oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe operatively connected front strap 2, and traversing at least onestretch element 4. Typically, the range limiter 10 will be operativelyconnected to the load suspension system 1 such that the range limiter 10will have a predetermined amount of slack along at least a portion ofits length when one or more underlying stretch elements 4 are in anun-stretched configuration. Each range limiter 10 will have a limitedelasticity, typically substantially below that of the stretch element 4,such that the range limiter 10 will define a maximum stretch range ofthe stretch element 4. Each range limiter 10 will operatively connect toa front strap 2 at locations above and below its associated stretchelement 4.

In one embodiment, the range limiter 10 may have an adjustable length,or may be attachable at multiple locations along the length of the frontstrap 2, so as to provide a user-selectable maximum stretch range forthe operatively connected stretch element 4. Range limiter 10configurations may include hook-and-loop components, or any othercomponents known in that art to permit user adjustment of length and/orconnection point. In one embodiment, the range limiter 10 is operativelyconnected directly to, or continuous with, a reinforcing element 12traversing the pad section 6.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, in use, upper ends of the frontstraps 2 will extend over a user's shoulders to meet at an operativelyconnected central section 8 (not visible in FIG. 2), typically disposedbehind a user's neck and/or adjacent an upper portion of a user's back.Pad sections 6 rest atop the user's shoulders, and a stabilizing element14, if present, will typically be disposed across a user's chest. Alower end of each front strap 2 will typically include a reversibleconnector 18 for operatively connecting to a load such as a tool belt20. Each front strap 2 may also include an adjuster 22 slideablydisposed along a length of the front strap 2. The adjuster 22 may be ofany type known in the art, including, but not limited to, a slidebuckle. The adjuster 22 advantageously allows a user to adjust thelength of the front strap 2 for increased comfort, improved fit, and/orto adjust for varying loads on the load suspension system 1.

In one embodiment, one or more accessory fasteners 24 may be operativelyconnected at one or more locations on the load suspension system 1. Anaccessory fastener 24 may comprise a webbing loop, pouch, snap-hook, orany other element known in the art for retaining a desired accessory.

As shown in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the load suspension system 1comprises at least one rear strap 3. A single rear strap configuration(not shown) will typically include a single strap operatively connectedto a location on the central section 8 furthest from the operativeconnection points of the front straps 2, such that it will besubstantially centered on a user's back when worn.

In an alternative embodiment, a pair or any plurality of rear straps 3are operatively connected to the central section 8. In one embodiment, apair of rear straps 3, comprise a continuation of the front straps 2configured to pass through the central section 8.

One or more adjusters 22 may be disposed on each of the rear straps 3.Each of the rear straps 3 will typically terminate in an operativeconnection to a reversible connector 18 for operatively connecting to aload, such as a tool belt, tool pouch, and/or any other type of belt orapparel known in the art.

In one embodiment, a retaining loop 26, or similar connector may bedisposed at a central location of the central section 8. Such aretaining loop 26 advantageously provides a centralized attachment pointfor easily storing the load suspension system 1 in a storage location.In one embodiment, the retaining loop 26 and suspension system 1 may beconfigured to provide a predetermined degree of fall protection to auser. For example, a line may be connected to the retaining loop 26 tohelp stabilize the user when used in an environment with hazardousfooting. However, the use of the load suspension system 1 as a fallprotection device may require additional components, beyond the currentscope of the instant application.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the load suspension system willtypically be worn such that the pad sections 6 rest upon a user'sshoulders, and the central section 8, is disposed behind the user'sneck, typically over the midline of the user's back. In one embodiment,the central section 8 will include a gel component 28. The gel component28 advantageously provides additional cushioning, resulting in increasedcomfort to the user. Reversible connectors 18 operatively connected tothe rear straps 3 are reversibly connectable to a load at one or morelocations along the user's back and/or sides.

As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, each of the front straps 2 willhave a curved configuration. Such curvature will typically be defined bya greater angle relative to a centerline C nearer the central section 8,and a lesser angle relative to a centerline C as the front strap 2extends away from the central section 8. A curved configuration of thefront strap 2 advantageously provides increased comfort to a user byproviding sufficient clearance for neck movement, yet providing asubstantially vertical orientation at its distal end (when worn) tooperatively connect a load to be suspended by the load suspension system1. For purposes of describing the angle of curvature, the term“centerline” means an imaginary line bisecting the central section 8 andpassing between the front straps 2, in the same plane, and equidistantto each. In one embodiment, each of the front straps 2 will beconfigured to curve both inwardly and outwardly, along their length,relative to the central section 8.

The various components of the load suspension system 1 may comprise anymaterial or combination thereof known in the art. In one embodiment, thecomponents will include elastic and relatively inelastic webbing. Thevarious components of embodiments of the invention may comprise anyshape and/or size that does not render such embodiments non-functionalin the manner described. For example, in one embodiment, the centralsection 8 will comprise an ovoid shape. In one embodiment, constructionand assembly of the load suspension system 1 comprises the stitching ofthe various components to other operatively connected components in apredetermined manner. Construction and assembly techniques may compriseany such techniques known in the art.

In one embodiment, any combination of a front strap 2, rear strap 3,range limiter 10 and reinforcing element 12, may be formed of a singlecontinuous element, typically a fabric webbing. The continuous elementmay pass through, under, or over an operatively connected centralsection 8, and/or pad section 6. In one embodiment, a plurality of frontstraps 2 and/or a plurality of rear straps 3, may each comprise a singlecontinuous element. Typically, such a continuous element will operativeconnect at a non-midpoint location thereof to the central section 8 ofthe load suspension system 1. Stretch elements 4, and associatedcomponents such as range limiters 10, may also be disposed along one ormore rear straps 3.

As used herein, references to “front” strap and “rear” strap arerelative to the central section 8. For example, a portion of a frontstrap 2 may extend over a user's shoulder to operatively connect to acentral section 8 disposed on the user's back. Accordingly, the terms“front” and “rear” when referring to a component of the load suspensionsystem 1 are terms of convenience and differentiation, and should not beconstrued as locational limitations relative to a user's body.Similarly, the terms “upper” and “lower” when referring to a strap orsimilar component, are terms of relational convenience, typicallyreferencing elements that are proximal to (upper) and distal from(lower) a central section 8.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of thisdisclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised whichdo not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by theattached claims.

1. A load suspension system, comprising: a first front strap and asecond front strap, each comprising (a) a first stretch element and asecond stretch element, and (b) a pad section operatively connectedbetween the first stretch element and the second stretch element; acentral section operatively connecting an upper end of the first frontstrap to an upper end of the second front strap; and at least one rearstrap operatively connected to the central section.
 2. The loadsuspension system of claim 1, further comprising at least one rangelimiter operatively connected at predetermined locations above and belowat least one of the first and second stretch elements.
 3. The loadsuspension system of claim 2, wherein the at least one range limiter hasa predetermined length substantially equal to a maximal stretch lengthof the at least one of the first and second stretch elements.
 4. Theload suspension system of claim 3, wherein a first end of the at leastone range limiter is operatively connected at an interface between theat least one stretch element and an adjoining component of the loadsuspension system.
 5. The load suspension system of claim 2, wherein atleast one end of the at least one range limiter comprises a selectedcomponent of hook and loop tape.
 6. The load suspension system of claim1, further comprising a reinforcing element operatively connecting twoends of the pad section.
 7. The load suspension system of claim 6,wherein the reinforcing element is at least partially disposed withinthe pad section.
 8. The load suspension system of claim 1, furthercomprising a gel component disposed in at least one selected from (a)each pad section, and (b) the central section.
 9. The load suspensionsystem of claim 1, further comprising at least one accessory retentioncomponent operatively connected to at least one selected from the firstfront strap, the second front strap, and the at least one rear strap.10. The load suspension system of claim 1, wherein each stretch elementcomprises a central elastic element and a peripheral elastic element.11. The load suspension system of claim 10, wherein the central elasticelement and the peripheral elastic element differ in at least onecharacteristic selected from (a) material composition and (b)elasticity.
 12. The load suspension system of claim 10, wherein theperipheral elastic element comprises a binding component operativelyconnecting a plurality of subcomponents of the load suspension system,and beginning and terminating substantially along opposite sides of thecentral elastic element.
 13. The load suspension system of claim 10,wherein the binding component is operatively connected to a centralelement such that the central element will have a non-planarconfiguration along a surface thereof.
 14. The load suspension system ofclaim 1, wherein an upper section of each front strap has an inwardcurvature and a lower section of each front strap has an outwardcurvature.
 15. The load suspension system of claim 1, further comprisinga reversible connector operatively connected to a lower end of at leastone selected from the first front strap, the second front strap, and theat least one rear strap.
 16. The load suspension system of claim 1,further comprising an adjuster operatively connected to at least oneselected from the first front strap, the second front strap, and the atleast one rear strap.
 17. A method of manufacturing a load suspensionsystem, comprising the steps of: providing a first strap and a secondstrap; operatively connecting the first strap and the second strap to acentral section; incorporating a pad section and a pair of stretchelements into one selected from the first strap and the second strap,such that the stretch elements are disposed on opposite sides of the padsection.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein incorporating the padsection comprises at least partially encasing a resilient foam in afabric, and operatively connecting two ends of the fabric to componentsof the selected strap.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprisingoperatively connecting a range limiter to a first location, above one ofthe stretch elements, and a second location below the one of the stretchelements.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising operativelyconnecting a reversible connector to a lower end of each of the firststrap and the second strap.